Meet the Engineering Development Team
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Taylor O’NeillDirector of Advancement713-743-3916taoneill [at] uh.eduTaylor has been a member of the Cullen College of Engineering Advancement Team since February 2016. Prior to joining the University of Houston, he managed phone programs at several Universities across the country including Vanderbilt University, Kansas State University, and New Mexico State University. Collectively, he has 10 years of fundraising experience at the University level. As the Director of Advancement for the Cullen College of Engineering he works with alumni, companies, and organizations to secure philanthropic support to advance the college and meet donor needs. Taylor received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. -
Draven PascualDirector of Developmentdfpascua [at] central.uh.eduDraven is a native Houstonian with a bachelor’s degree from Houston Baptist University. Before joining the Cullen College of Engineering as the Director of Development, Draven worked in HBU’s Advancement office assisting with gift processing, development officer support, and donor relations. -
Lauren SposatoDirector of Engineering Relationslsposato [at] central.uh.eduLauren has served as the Director of Engineering Relations since November 2019. In this role, Lauren plans and manages all Cullen College events, serves as the college support for the Engineering Alumni Association, and helps coordinate alumni relations efforts on behalf of the college. Prior to her role within the Cullen College of Engineering, Lauren worked as the Assistant Director for the Student Centers at University of Houston, where she oversaw the successful implementation of 20,000+ events held within Student Centers facilities as well as managed departmental assessments and strategic planning. Lauren received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas — Fayetteville. -
Olivia ThompsonInterim Chief Development Officeronthompson [at] uh.eduOlivia Thompson joined the University of Houston in March 2014, as executive director of constituent development and soon thereafter as chief development officer for major gifts before becoming chief development officer for principal gifts. Thompson has more than 17 years of experience in higher education and development. Prior to joining the University of Houston, she held fundraising roles at The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Liberal Arts and the College of Natural Sciences, and Texas State University. At the University of Houston, Thompson serves as Interim Chief Development Officer for Engineering and Chief Principal Gifts Officer for University Advancement. In these roles she works with alumni and constituents throughout the nation to secure philanthropic support for engineering and university-wide goals. She is also leading the new International Advancement program at the University which includes Mexico, Canada and London. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from The Ohio State University and a masters of public administration from Texas State University.
